Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts department at Murray State will provide excellent opportunities for
you -both on stage and backstage. Each year, the theatre program produces a full
and diverse season of shows. It's an opportunity for the students and the community
to experience high-quality theatre productions. Come see our next production!

W. Earl Brown

Alumnus

Featured in Preacher, The Lone Ranger, Bates Motel, There's Something About Mary

“"It all started at Murray State on the Robert E. Johnson stage in the fall of 1983
when the curtain fell on our production of 'That Championship Season'. I had the distinct
thought, 'I have to do this for the rest of my life.' It was then and there the seed was planted."”

The Department of Global Languages and Theatre Arts will provides a Bachelor of the
Arts or a Bachelor of the Science degree. Minors are available in theatre, design/tech,
performance, and musical theatre. You will be heavily involved in all aspects of
production starting in your first semester. The courses are designed to promote life-long
creative ventures for you after graduation. The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)and has alumni working all over the globe. Read more about the programs here.

Chrishell Stause

Alumnus

Featured in All My Children, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless

“I chose Murray State because it offers a good education for a good price. I really
love the atmosphere and the friendly people. The theatre department has many opportunities
and the staff is always willing to help.”

The department utilizes two performance spaces. The Robert E. Johnson Theatre is
a 344-seat proscenium stage, and serves as the department's mainstage venue. The
Actor’s Studio Theatre is a 55-seat black box theatre for more intimate and experimental
productions. Check out the production photographs to see what the department has produced in the spaces over the past few years!

Salar Ardebili

Alumnus

Featured in Chicago P.D., patriot

“When I started my Theatre education at Murray State University, I was hungry to be
exposed to a smorgasbord of techniques; my professors did exactly that while guiding
me to find my own path. I will always be grateful for my experience there and the
positive discipline that was instilled in me.”

Students are educated as liberal arts theatre practitioners in preparation for employment
or graduate study. Each theatre major is required to work in or on 12 faculty-directed
productions prior to graduation. You will receive personalized training, and work
directly in professional capacities. The department houses a costume shop and scenic
shop that provide hands-on experience. These shops employ students to work with professors
to create the productions.

“People always asked me why I came to Murray, Kentucky from Southern California. It's
because, when I visited the campus, I suddenly felt at home. Murray State is where
I discovered who I was, and with the support of a great community, started me on the
path of who I wanted to be.”